Disney Legend, Theme Park Hall of Famer Jack Lindquist Passes Away

February 28, 2016, 10:58 AM ·
Jack Lindquist, the former Disneyland President who created the Disney Dollar and the "I'm Going to Disneyland!" campaign, has died. He was 88.

Lindquist was named a Disney Legend for his leadership of the company's theme parks, and last fall was inducted into the amusement industry hall of fame at the IAAPA Attractions Expo in Orlando. Born March 15, 1927 in Chicago, Lindquist started working at Disneyland shortly after the park opened in 1955. Working his way up from an advertising manager, Lindquist pioneered some of the most influential practices and promotions in the entertainment industry, including off-site ticket sales and after-hours special events.

In 2013, Jack talked with Theme Park Insider about his career, including the development of Disney Dollars and the birth of the wildly successful "I'm going to Disneyland/Disney World" campaign, which earned the company an incomprehensible amount of free publicity over the years. You can listen to the entire interview here:

In November, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions enshrined Lindquist in its Hall of Fame, recognizing not just his service to Disneyland and to the Disney theme parks worldwide, but also his influence on the promotion and operation of the entire theme park industry.

February 28, 2016 at 5:24 PM ·
When you look at a huge corporation like Disney, you generally only think of Walt, or Eisner, or Iger.

But its the creativity of so many people, like Jack Lindquist, that have made the company as great as it is today, and helped set the bar so high for Themed entertainment. It's nice that Theme Park Insider takes the time to recognize this man and his peers, and their contribution to the parks.

Rest in Peace, sir. For the Disney dollar that has sat in my wallet for so many years, and for all the additional amusement you have added to my favorite entertainment company, I thank you.

71.116.66.129

February 29, 2016 at 11:05 AM ·
Jack Linquist was an amazing person who really was a grand part of the Disney story. Maybe this would be a good time to explore in one of your many articles as to the demise of the Disney Dollar and to start a discussion as to the possible comeback of this iconic product. The gift cards certainly are not on the same plane (unless you are in Japan) as the Disney Dollar. I have been collecting them for many years and find it very sad that Disney will not discuss or even say for sure that they are gone. It seems that the bigger Disney gets the more they loose touch with some of the great rides and items that helped them grow thru the years. thanks Michael Fasano 70 yr old Disneyfite.